Boston – Rui Hachimura, forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, contributed 5 points in a 126-115 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday, February 22, 2026. The Japanese international saw 21 minutes and 26 seconds of playing time off the bench, adding 2 rebounds to his stat line.
Hachimura’s performance came as the Lakers continued their road trip, facing a tough Celtics team at TD Garden. While not a dominant scoring night for the Lakers forward, his minutes provided a spark as a substitute player. The Lakers are currently 34-22, placing them 5th in the Western Conference as of February 23, 2026, according to NBA.com.
The game saw Hachimura making 2 of 7 field goal attempts, resulting in his 5 points. He did not attempt any three-pointers. His contribution, while modest in scoring, added to the Lakers’ overall effort against a strong Celtics offense. The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who scored 35 points.
Hachimura’s Recent Form
Hachimura has been a consistent presence in the Lakers’ rotation this season, averaging 11.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, as detailed on NBA.com. He recently notched 21 points against the Dallas Mavericks on February 12, 2026, shooting 9-of-13 from the field, and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Prior to the Celtics game, Hachimura came off the bench in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 20, 2026, according to reports.
Lakers vs. Celtics – Game Recap
The Celtics controlled much of the game, building a lead that the Lakers struggled to overcome. Boston’s strong shooting performance and effective defense proved too much for Los Angeles. The Lakers’ shooting struggles were evident, with the team shooting below their season average from the field. LeBron James led the Lakers in scoring with 32 points.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers will continue their road trip, looking to bounce back from this loss. Their next game is against the Boston Celtics on February 22, 2026. The team will need to improve their shooting consistency and defensive intensity to secure victories against tough opponents. Hachimura’s role off the bench will continue to be crucial for providing scoring and energy.
What do you consider the Lakers need to do to improve their performance on the road? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow Lakers fans!
